Neighbors Offering A Helping Hand (NOAHH)

"I had recently gotten a knee replacement and the recovery has not been easy. My bed was very old and it was dipped in the middle and almost impossible for me to get out of. A family member was very generous and gave me a better mattress but it was very hard and it made my body hurt more than before. I didn't know what to do. I am on a limited budget and my family and friends could not help. It was such a blessing to have received this from your program. It would have been a long time before I could have purchased this for myself and I dreaded going to bed each night. Thank you for everything - your kindness and generosity means more than you will ever know!"

"I want to say how absolutely appreciative I am for this absolutely amazing wonderful bed. I am doing pretty physical labor type of work and having a bed is a game changer for us. Thank you so so so so so much."

"I received the shorts and shirts and other clothes and wanted to say thank you so much! This helps me out tremendously as I'm on a fixed income and can't afford to buy new things and I'm a bigger guy so it's hard to find my sizes...Again thank you for all your help and may God bless you!"

"Thank you so much for the shoes. Getting these makes such a huge difference in my life! It is so helpful and just knowing that there are people that care about helping me makes me feel better."

"Knowing this valuable and unique resource is here is so helpful! Words cannot express how thankful I am for your support. Now I can focus on other things I need!"

"A kitchen table and chairs that were donated gave a client the opportunity to eat with her children in a designated area rather than everyone spreading out around the house and either sitting on the floor or the couch for meals. She was grateful for this, as they were able to converse and eat all together which helped to create routine at mealtimes."

"The donations received by my clients mean so much. They have struggled with so much in their lives and would not be able to have these items if not for the donations. We know the people who donate have many places to give their items and we are so grateful that they have chosen the county. We are so blessed to have Barb and her team put together this system to help get these items to the most needed populations of our community. Thank you!"

"My client, …wanted to extend a “thank you” for the recliner. He is very happy, as he can even have me sit in his house without needing a crane to get me off the floor."

"The NOAHH program has donated various items to my clients over the years that have had a huge impact on their daily living. A set of bar stools was donated to a client that I work with as she could not stand when cooking without being in pain. Just this simple addition to her kitchen allowed her to sit down at the counter and stove areas so she could comfortably cook meals for her family including her grandchildren that resided in her home."

"I am truly grateful for the incredible support provided by the Volunteer Program. Many of the families that I work with experience homelessness and when they finally find a home, they often lack the basic items needed to settle in. Referring them to the NOAH’s Program ensures they received these essentials, and the families are always so appreciative."

"The NOAHH program has helped me in my role to support my child (client) stay connected to their culture.My child had nowhere to be placed but away from home and their culture. The NOAHH program donated culture related items for my child to stay connected to their roots."

The family is requesting mattresses for the children. They currently have bunk beds but need 3 twin mattresses– one for each child.

The mother moved into a new apartment. She does not have much furniture so time with her children is usually spent on the floor. She is asking for a couch as they move toward all being under the same roof again.

A father has 3 children in his home. Animals and other things have caused damages and the family is looking for a queen mattress.

C is having two of her children returning into her home full-time. She is in need of beds for her children and is requesting two toddler beds. 

M is residing in Oshkosh and is trying to get the children's bedrooms and house setup. The Department is planning to transition to reunification in March 2026 and hopes to have the items secured. M does not currently have a job and is utilizing various resources for any needs. She is requesting a bookshelf, 2 carpets/rugs for bedrooms, and a toy bin.

Maria is on a fixed income and is moving out for the first time in a couple years. She was able to save enough for her bedroom items but needs help with most of the other items that family does not have. She is asking for bathroom towels (all), microwave, rugs for kitchen, bathroom and entryway, broom and dustpan, trashcan and bags.

Client thought the house she is currently living in was being sold by her landlord so got rid of her couch. The landlord then changed her mind. Client is struggling trying to get through treatment and financially. She is requesting a couch or love seat.

S is a single mother to three children with high needs. S has been connected to some community partners but is in need of basic household items. Of most priority right now is toilet paper and paper towels.

Child has recently been placed back with family placement provider. Child is not permitted in the household at this time to have a phone and would be allowed a MP3 player; however, she no longer has one. Child reports that listening to music when studying helps her. She is requesting an MP3 player and over ear headphones.

Family consisting of 2 adults and 7 children are looking for help with items for their home. Neither parent is currently employed. The father recently lost his jobs and is struggling to find a job to maintain the home and his children's needs. This family has no supports in the area as they recently moved to the state two years ago. The family has reached out to community resources but are in need of the following: Diapers (Huggies or Kirkland sizes 5 & 6), baby wipes, clothing/tennis shoe voucher to get the kids shoes, Dr. Brown pacifiers, toiletries and deodorant for teenage girls. 

He gets sad and will try to run away from the house or cause property damage. C is a very lonely 54 year old man who is looking for someone to spend time with. He has a history of cognitive impairments and mental health issues. He is a very bright man and loves music from the 70s and 80s, but is very knowledgeable about all music. He enjoys talking to people about his interests, but doesn't always have the best social skills (due to disability). He tends to focus more on his interests than others although given time he will ask more questions. He lacks the insight of non-verbal cues and is focused on what he says or wants. If things are explained in a non-judgmental manner, he is accepting. He doesn't like being corrected or feel like he is being judged. He likes dogs and would enjoy walking the dog (he won't clean up after the dog). Ideally a man might be nice, as he has few males in his life, but he is appropriate with females and will ask for advice. The idea would be to meet and perhaps go for a walk in his neighborhood. If the volunteer had a dog and willing to walk with C, he'd like that. Perhaps they could go for a drive and "check out the area", maybe stop for a soda or meal (he'd have his own money). It would be better to not have visits at the house, as the other people living there also seek a visitor's attention. He works two mornings a week, but otherwise is flexible with time. He is unable to go into the community alone, needing supervision. Walks in his neighborhood would be a good way to determine a comfort level. Prior to anyone starting to volunteer with C, the person would meet with his mother/legal guardian to determine if this is the right fit. His group staff might also join in. While he has enjoyed talking about religion, it tends to cause some issues and is a topic to avoid. He has a rather short attention span, which would have visits maybe 1-2 hours. He will tell you when a visit is over. He is a nice man who is lonely and doesn't know how to express it. A person willing to give him a few hours a month of their time would be an amazing opportunity for C.

E struggles with searching for jobs, housing, and filling out other resource applications on her phone. E is planning to begin going back to school and would need a laptop for this. Erin has stated that a laptop would greatly help her accomplish these things.